Carrick: Morale Better Than Ever

Michael Carrick says team spirit at Old Trafford is better than ever after the infusion of young talent this term.

The 30-year-old finds himself, grudgingly, as a senior figure in the squad and is as delighted as the supporters with the fabulous start to the campaign.

Although Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck are both out of the Chelsea match through injury, United will look to maintain the fast-paced style that has earned four straight wins in the Barclays Premier League.

"There's a lot of the same faces in the dressing room really," he said. "It's still the same atmosphere and banter. It's as good as ever - if not even better.

"The younger lads have come into the team and done ever so well. It's their energy and enthusiasm they bring, as well as their quality, and it's great to see and has given everyone an extra spring in their step. We want to carry it on.

"I suppose I have to be classed as a senior player, turning 30. The average age of the squad has dropped significantly really over the summer. It's not that I want to be getting old but that's how it is.

"I've learned off Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and probably the younger players just pick up the habits off me, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra. That's how it works and keeps on rolling.

"You've got to play well to play in this team. It's been the case for years, there's always competition for places, which is healthy enough, and has always proved successful."

Carrick realises Chelsea will be difficult opponents again on Sunday under new boss Andre Villas-Boas.

"If you look at the start Chelsea had last season, everyone was saying they were going to win the league," he explained. "It obviously wasn't the case.

"So we're not getting carried away with the situation. We're playing well and are top of the league but we still respect other teams for the threat they pose to us. It'll be a tough game.

"Every game is a different challenge. When we looked at the fixture list at the start of the season, it looked a really tough start so, at the stage we're in at the moment, we're really happy. Chelsea's the next game and we want to be taking points off what's seen as your rivals, especially at home.

"They've tinkered a little bit and made a couple of changes but whether they keep the new faces or the old faces for Sunday remains to be seen. We're fully aware of the strengths they have, even their new signings we've seen enough of to know about them. They know us inside out as well so there's no surprises on that front. It's who plays well on the day."